Golden Algae Eater

Name: Golden Algae Eater
Brand: Brooklands
SKU: TG205
Price: 11.9 NZD
Availability: InStock

SKU TG205

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Golden Algae Eater

Product Details

Golden Algae Eater (Gyrinocheilus aymonieri variant)

NOT AVAILABLE TO SHIP - In-store Only

Overview: This is a bright yellow-to-gold color morph of the standard wild-type Chinese Algae Eater. As a juvenile, it is eye-catching, energetic, and highly functional, using its powerful, downward-facing sucker mouth to scrub algae off glass, rocks, and driftwood.

However, this species comes with a few major "buyer beware" caveats that every aquarist should know as the fish matures.

Origins: Despite the common name "Chinese," these fish actually originate from the mainland river basins of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong basins (spanning Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam). They inhabit fast-flowing rivers and streams with rocky riverbeds.

Personality & The "Trap": The Golden Algae Eater has a reputation in the hobby for turning from a helpful juvenile into a bit of a terror as an adult.

The Diet Shift: As juveniles, they eat plenty of algae. However, as they grow, their dietary needs change. They stop eating algae almost entirely and start craving protein.
The Slime-Coat Threat: Because they want protein, they will actively attack large, flat-bodied, slow-moving tank mates (like Discus, Angelfish, and Goldfish). They latch onto the sides of these fish with their sucker mouths to strip off and eat their protective protective slime coat, which leaves the victim fish stressed, wounded, and prone to fatal infections.
Hyper-Aggression: They are highly territorial. An adult will fiercely defend its favorite cave and can be extremely aggressive toward any other bottom-dwelling fish, especially their own kind.
Care Level: Intermediate (Due to aggressive adult behavior)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to Aggressive (as an adult)
Diet: Omnivore (Algae wafers, sinking pellets, and frozen protein foods like bloodworms as they age)
Max Size: Up to 25 – 30 cm (Though they rarely exceed 15–20 cm in standard home aquariums, they still get quite large!)
Family: Gyrinocheilidae
Tank Size: 115 Litres minimum for a juvenile, but adults genuinely require 200+ Litres due to their size and high territorial aggression.
Temperature: 22°C – 28°C
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Should be kept in groups? No. Keep only one per tank. They will relentlessly fight other Chinese Algae Eaters in an enclosed space.

Pro Tip: If you want a fish that looks similar and stays peaceful forever, look for the Gold Siamese Algae Eater or an Albino Bristlenose Pleco. If you already have a Golden Chinese Algae Eater, house it with fast-moving, robust tank mates (like larger Tetras, Barbs, or Danios) that are too quick for it to latch onto!